BOL NEWSPAPER | August 21 2022

Remembering the icons - III

As Pakistan marks it’s 75th Independence Day, BOLD brings its tribute to a close with a look at the final 20 iconic film and TV personalities of the country

KARACHI By Omair Alavi

Pakistan’s entertainment industry is not just indebted to its actors, singers, and music composers but also to the many individuals who either stayed behind the scenes or conducted themselves to perfection in front of the camera. These individuals could be the anchors (aka hosts, comperes) who dominated the scene with their impressive oratory skills, their amazing vocabulary, and their connection with the audience, or those who chose their pen to do their bidding.

And then there were those who decided to call the shots and make the film industry in the country stand on its feet during the last 75 years. Read on about the best of the rest, who became legends in their lifetime because of their legacy, and because their work is still being followed by those who chose to emulate them.

The ‘anchors’ who provided the base for others

TV transmission began in Pakistan on 26th November 1964, and it was Tariq Aziz who announced the arrival of the new medium in what went on to become his traditional style. He was a radio broadcaster, a film actor, a poet, and a politician, but he remained known around the world for his exploits on TV. From 1974 till 2020, the show was PTV’s most-watched programme, and could easily be termed the most popular game show ever produced in the country. The way he conducted the show, the manner in which he introduced his guest, and his ability to interact with the public made him an icon during his lifetime.

Although Zia Mohyeddin made his name abroad as an actor of repute, be it in theatre, film or TV, his Zia Mohyeddin Show in the 1970s is considered the pioneer of talk shows in the country where he carried himself so elegantly that people started imitating him. It was his show that introduced many individuals to the entertainment industry including comic Moin Akhtar and others but none became as famous as the Zia Mohyeddin Show product like Khushbakht Shujaat. The tall, and graceful Khushbakht burst on the scene as a student who questioned film actor Mohammad Ali regarding the standard of films, and the rest is history. She went on to host memorable shows on PTV till the 1990s and be it the election transmission, the PTV Milaad, or a talk show, she was always in her element.

And then there was the legendary novelist, writer, and actor Mustansar Hussain Tarar who brightened the morning of an entire generation as the eternal Chacha Jee. When PTV started its morning transmission in the late 1980s, it was Mustansar Hussain Tarar who, due to his popularity among elders and his familiarity with kids, turned it into a smash hit. Every day the kids

with her family from India, chose to make TV their platform and educate the audience through it. She was not just successful as a playwright who adapted popular novels into TV dramas but also as someone who had the solution to every problem. Legendary TV personality Agha Nasir once said that people who had problems would approach Bajia rather than the head of the organisation because they believed in her.

While Bajia was busy in the Karachi TV station after starting her career in Islamabad, literary giants Ashfaq Ahmed and Bano Qudsia adopted the Lahore TV station as their own. Ashfaq Ahmed’s Aik Mohabbat Sau Afsaney is considered to be an iconic TV series while Bano Qudsia’s novels and plays were adapted for TV during the 1980s and the 1990s.

The husband-andwife duo appeared in countless TV shows where they satisfied the intellectual curiosity of youngsters, some of whom even regard them as their spiritual guide.

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In the 1970s, PTV aired adaptations as TV dramas but once Haseena Moin became a part of the organisation, original plays became PTV’s forte. Between the 1970s and 2010s, Haseena Moin penned some of the best dramas that have been produced in Pakistan and is remembered for mixing both comic and serious elements in relatable stories

Anwar Maqsood may have been Bajia’s younger brother but he was able to carve a separate identity for himself as a writer who could pen both comic and serious dramas. From creating the iconic Fifty Fifty in the late 1970s to writing Sitara Aur Mehrunnisa in the 1990s, Anwar Maqsood and his TV dramas have entertained multiple generations. His Loose Talk is still popular, and clips of the late Moin Akhtar donning different avatars confuse many since he passed away more than a decade back.

In the 1970s, PTV aired adaptations as TV dramas but once Haseena Moin became a part of the organisation, original plays became PTV’s forte. Between the 1970s and 2010s, Haseena Moin penned some of the best dramas that have been produced in Pakistan and is remembered for mixing both comic and serious elements in relatable stories. Be it Kiran Kahani, Ankahi, or Tanhayyan, Haseena Moin was on top her game and is remembered even today for her work.

During the same time, Amjad Islam Amjad and Asghar Nadeem Syed also gained prominence because of their dramas that brought a filmi feeling to TV. Be it Amjad’s Waaris or Asghar’s Piyaas, along with their other hit TV dramas, they were the ones who told their contemporaries that TV could be used to educate the audience, through meaningful characters and plots.

However, Kamal Ahmed Rizvi stood out from his contemporaries because he could act as well, and if Alif Noon doesn’t tell you that he was good both as a writer and an actor, then nothing will. From the 1960s till the 2000s, he was actively involved in TV and theatre both as an actor and a writer and delivered hit shows where the script was mixed with emotions, satire, and a lot of comedy.

Pakistanis would always remain indebted to Farooq Qaiser who used puppetry to highlight social evils and was extremely popular as a playwright and a poet. He created characters like Uncle Sargam, Masi Museebtay among others to make fun of the issues that were bothering the common people but no one was addressing them. From the 1970s till his death last year, Farooq Qaiser was actively involved as a comic genius who could tackle serious issues without going overboard.

And those who helmed film projects …

Khalil Qaiser was amongst those who tried to make a difference as a director, and even though his life was cut short due to a successful assassination attempt, his films Nagin, Shaheed, and Firangi are considered timeless for their thought-provoking storyline and perfect execution. Riaz Shahid, who wrote the scripts of his film, then went on to carry his legacy forward and delivered classic films like Zarqa, Gharnata, and Yeh Aman before he too succumbed to leukaemia at the age of 45.

From the 1970s till the 1980s, four film directors ruled the cinemas in the country including Nazrul Islam, Pervez Malik, Hasan Tariq, and S Suleman. If their work during these decades is removed from the history of Pakistani cinema, nothing is left.

While Nazrul Islam who decided to stay in Pakistan after the creation of Bangladesh excelled in borrowed scripts, his song selection was second to none. Most of the songs from his films are even popular today, including those from Aaina, Bandish, Nahin Abhi Nahin to name a few.

Pervez Malik was Pakistan’s first foreign-trained director and his work oozed class; he began his career working with Waheed Murad and later switched to the Nadeem camp but delivered hit films including Pakistan’s first platinum jubilee flick Armaan in 1966. He went on to make films till the 1990s, and some of his films produced in the 1980s were even copied in India.

Hasan Tariq and S Suleman were also in a league of their own; while Hasan Tariq remained married to actress Rani during his most prolific years as a director, S Suleman was Santosh Kumar and Darpan’s kid brother who couldn’t make it as an actor. They both were active forces as film directors and produced some of the most successful films during the 1960s, and the 1970s. While Hasan Tariq died in the early 1980s, S Suleman did make a couple of

prime remains close to the hearts of those who had the honour of watching it

After independence from the British rule, India gained many intellectuals compared to Pakistan because many decided to stay back in the Hindu-dominated country and the newly-created state had to produce its own intellectuals

BOLD brings you the latest happenings taking place in the entertainment industry

First look of Sajal Aly as Fatima Jinnah

When Danial K Afzal recently announced that he was making a web series based on the life of Fatima Jinnah, most of the conversation surrounding the project was centred around who would portray Madar-e-Millat on screen. Afzal has stated that three actresses, Sundus Farhan, Sajal Aly and Samiya Mumtaz, will play Fatima Jinnah in the series, tracing her arc across three decades. Given Sajal’s versatile resume, this got many fans speculating as to what Sajal would look like in this role. Well, it seems that the wait is over. In a short teaser released by Afzal, audiences get not only a glimpse of what to expect from this series but also get to see these three talented actresses embodying the role of Fatima Jinnah. Donning the iconic white dupatta, Sajal’s sombre appearance in this short clip sets the tone for what appears to be a very serious look at a pivotal chapter, not only in the life of Fatima Jinnah, but also in the creation of Pakistan. The styling and atmospheric setting has already got us hooked, with Sajal looking like a natural fit for this role.

Naveed Raza launches clothing brand

The Legend of Maula Jutt trailer leaves viewers spell-bound

For years, it seemed like The Legend of Maula Jutt would never see the light of day. Marred by several delays of varying nature, many cinemagoers in Pakistan had resigned themselves to the fact that perhaps they would never get to see Bilal Lashari’s latest directorial effort on the cinema screen. Well, any such misgivings can now finally be put to rest. With the film slated for a release on October 13, 2022, audiences finally got a more updated look at the film which stars Fawad Khan as the titular character. As revealed in the latest trailer, the Punjabi language film will once again bring to the silver-screen the rivalry between two iconic characters of Pakistani cinema, Maula Jutt and Noori Natt (played by Hamza Ali Abbasi). While the impressive cast boasted by this film - comprising Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Mahira Khan, Humaima Malick, Mirza Gohar Rasheed and Ali Azmat (among others) - would have been enough to make this movie a must-watch, it is the striking visuals and the truly singular set and costume designs which elevate this production above any of its domestic competitors. It looks like despite all the delays and copyright issues, this film might indeed turn out to be well worth the wait.

It appears that more and more celebrities today are eager to use their wellearned fame to branch out into other avenues. Several actors have launched their own clothing lines, cosmetics and healthcare products. Naveed Raza appears to be the latest actor to have thrown his hat into this ring. The actor, who was recently seen on the big-screen in Nabeel Qureshi’s Khel Khel Main, took to his social media to announce that he has created his own active-wear brand called Ghazi 1984. Proudly proclaiming that all the clothes under this banner have been made in Pakistan, it looks like Naveed’s clothing line will cater to a wide demographic. Providing apparel options for men, women and children, the clothes being advertised appear both comfortable and fashionable. With an array of varying styles to choose from, it looks like this brand could be one to keep an eye on for the future. With Ghazi 1984 set to formally launch this week, we wish Naveed the best of luck for his entrepreneurial debut.

In the name of patriotism

On 14 August, the government commemorated the 75th year of Pakistan’s independence with downright vulgarity and disgrace

By Bold Desk KARACHI

On the auspicious occasion of Pakistan's 75th Independence Day, the Information Ministry in its efforts to do something different, such as re-recording the national anthem, also arranged an Independence Day programme to cherish the country’s diamond jubilee.

Starting with Pakistan's flag raising, a speech by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and recitation of the Holy Quran, the show kicked off with traditional grace and style until a sudden upheaval hit the stage. A cheesy dance troupe burst on the stage changing the entire tone of the programme. Not just prime minister and other honourable guests, but

the entire nation was forced to watch somewhat a cheap replica so common on the commercial stage or third-rate Lollywood or Bollywood movies. This made many viewers wonder whether they were hallucinating or accidentally had switched to an Indian channel where dancers are twirling their bodies on the hanging trapeze or dancing over fast beat music.

The badly conceived and executed show triggered a storm on the social media, where many intellectuals, journalists, and even the members of the assembly questioned the organisers what they had in mind while planning this event.

It was not only Imtiaz Gul, but many other took to Twitter to vent out their frustration and record protest for sabotaging Pakistan's Diamond Jubilee celebrations by putting up such a disgraceful show.

MNA Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali raised the issue in the National Assembly and directly pointed out the names of the assembly members, speaker, and other religious scholars who were present at the event. He said, 'The way young girls wearing vulgar dresses were dancing in front of the nation, what message the government was trying to convey to the world? Will this guarantee the prosperity of the country?' He questioned the speaker. 'I am not against holding the Independence Day show, but as soon as the dance started, I could not watch it any further and had to put my hands on my eyes. In sheer sadness, I also took off the taqiyah. Being the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, there is no room for such vulgarity in our religion on the basis of which

Betaali Prem Katha

this land was created.' He aggressively recorded his protest as the speaker kept interrupting him. After the Independence Day programme put the internet on fire, a tweet from the PTV's official account came in to deny the fact and called it a disgraceful move to twist and turn such a 'prestigious show'. But in this age and time, one cannot deny what has already gone out in the public. As a reaction, hence people started bombarding the channel's tweets with proofs and screenshots of the dance and called out names who promoted the content and vulgarity on the TV channel, which, instead of being apologetic or at least quite over the matter, was

The latest NAPA offering can easily be termed as a breath of fresh air for theatre lovers

By Omair Alavi KARACHI

A good, entertaining theatre play is hard to find these days, one that doesn't bore you, keeps you glued to your seats, and doesn't let you take a peek at your watch. NAPA’s latest theatre play Betaali Prem Katha had all these qualities and came out as a breath of fresh air because of being an original play, for all ages.

Written and directed by NAPA alumni Fawad Khan (not the Humsafar actor!), the play is inspired by a tale from an ancient Sanskrit epic, Kathasaritsagara, that may date back to the 11th century but doesn’t come out as an old boring stage adaptation that might put the audience to sleep. Instead, it makes the audience laugh out loud throughout its two-hour run and with its hilarious twists and turns keeps them busy guessing as to what will happen, what might happen, and what could happen in front of them.

Betaali Prem Katha follows the story of a youngster named Prem (Rahil Siddiqui), a Brahman boy who leaves his home in search of knowledge and wisdom. Despite his father’s explicit instructions that he should not stop at a place named Roopnagar, he accidentally ends up in the city and meets a genie (Sunil Shanker) with magical powers who tells him that he will be in trouble if he catches a glimpse of the Rajkumari (Erum Bashir). However, it was love at first sight for both Prem and Rajkumari, and although Rajkumari spared Prem’s life, and he was asked to leave the city by her guard, he plans to meet her again.

Things begin to go awry when he asks a local baba (also Sunil Shanker, and sometimes Naveed Kamal) for help, and he grants him power that would give him both access to the

Rajkumari, and not alert the guards. The power was to change gender at will, and become whatever he desires, whenever he desires. The hilarious situations that take place afterwards, land Prem or Premlata (Shabana Faizan) in trouble, depending on which person was in front of the audience and with which fellow character. One must commend the writer/director Fawad Khan for keeping the narrative simple and not inserting an uncomfortable dialogue to force laughter. The script was so perfectly paced that not one sequence seemed out of place, not one actor out of character. Rahil Siddiqui and Shabana Faizan as alter egos of Prem seemed quite similar, and even spoke in the same way, adding credence to their characters. Their hilarious interactions with others were spot on, and the changeover was done so aesthetically that it deserves special mention.

Sunil Shanker’s Betaal also deserves special mention since he carried the play in as many as three different avatars. As the genie, he spoke his lines devilishly (while hanging upside down at times), and emitted vibes that even irked the audience. Since the story took place in magically-rich Roopnagar, and he was the narrator, he could change into the Baba or the Raja whenever he wanted. As the Baba, he was hilarious because he did what he thought was the best for himself, not the person who asked for his help, while as the Raja, he only did what he thought should be the best solution, even when it wasn’t.

Erum Bashir who played the Rajkumari looked gorgeous but also doubled as the costume designer, while Rao Jamal Singh Rajput did double duty both as a sepoy and as the assistant director. Supporting actors like Afrah Khalid, Samhan Ghazi, and Fahad who played Seeta, Balram, and the Minister respectively

were no less important to the story since they didn’t let the audience lose interest when the main cast wasn’t on the stage.

Add to all that the live music by Ahsan Bari, and Bhagat Bhoora Lal and it was just magical, being there and listening to songs from the era in which the story takes place, without feeling disconnected. Some of the songs might even stay with the audience after they exit the theatre, such was the powerful impact of impressive vocals that aren’t found easily these days.

The sets designed by Tariq Raja were minimal at best, but kudos to the director for using the limited space to make the audience believe that they were at different places, without changing the background. The lighting done by Masood ur Rehman, and Obaid Iqbal was the reason why the actors were able to give their perfect expressions at the expected time and must be applauded for a job well done. The audience could feel the lightning strike, the thunder as well as the darkness in which some of the characters walked; to pull it off convincingly on stage is always a difficult task but here it was done effortlessly.

The worst thing about the play is that it will complete its run at NAPA’s Zia Mohyeddin Theatre on August 21, and for a play as entertaining as Betaali Prem Katha, it is indeed something to ponder. With Anwar Maqsood’s Sarhay 14 August being staged across the street at Arts Council, this NAPA play should take the initiative and extend the play’s run so that those who haven’t seen the play shouldn’t miss it just because they weren’t able to be at the right place, at the right time. Also, those who are unable to get tickets at the Arts Council for Sarhay 14 August could jump over to NAPA and get something worth their time and money.

courageously defending the act.

On the one hand where policies are made to ban TV dramas over holding hands or hugging, and films over sensitive issues or intimate scenes, then

shows like these have raised a red flag, and questioned the hypocrisy of the government over the selection of content.

The leg-splits of young girls and moving their bodies exotically on to a foreign tune, jumping and romping while the green flags elegantly waving in every nook and cranny of the palatial hall and government officials enjoying the dance and clapping was an utter shame for the government.

Touching to the extent of sheer vulgarity, the acrobatic dance show was held in the name of patriotism, religion and remembering the country's founding fathers. To cap it all off, one of the excerpts from the Prime Minister's speech at the event very well concluded this planned ruckus in the name of patriotism 'This is the only way to thank the All Mighty who has bestowed so many blessings upon us'.

or will they fail, watch DC League of Super Pets to find out.

The good Developing a character is always important, be it in a live-action flick or an animated one; in DC League of Super Pets each and every character that was minor in comics becomes major, and has qualities that make them ideal for a superhero adventure. Using the voices of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Kevin Hart for Superdog and Bat-hound was a masterstroke because of their near-perfect chemistry. They bring that flavour into this film as well where one voiced Superman’s mighty pet and the other was a stray who somehow got superpowers. The rest of the characters and the voice actors selected were spot on as well; the turtle who runs as fast as the Flash, a sweet pig who adores Wonder Woman, and a red squirrel whom Green Lantern adopts make them the perfect version of Justice League’s pet division, or in other words, DC League of Super Pets. It's useless to say that by the time they are through with saving the world, they are no more caged animals or strays because they have found their masters.

Add to that the training montage that could have been a little longer (they are gonna need a longer montage, as Krypto said) and an irritating protagonist Lulu (a tiny guinea pig, not a hamster) who wants to help Lux Luthor defeat the good guys, for good and you have a story that will keep you engrossed from start till finish.

The bad

Despite the juicy one-liners, the script

Who do you call when the superheroes are in trouble? Pets, their best friends!

By Omair Alavi KARACHI

Whoever says pets can’t be superheroes must go and watch the latest DC animated flick DC League of Super Pets where not only do the super pets save their masters, but they also save the world in style. At a time when standards of superhero films are going down, this animated spinoff might just turn out to be worth your time and money. Thanks to the brilliant animation and the all-star voice cast, including Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, this film is a treat for both the young, the old, and those in-between. It may not be the best-animated film from the world of DC Comics, but it surely is among the better ones.

The plot Krypto aka Superdog (voiced by Dwayne Johnson) and Superman (John Krasinski) have a history not many people are aware of; he accompanied baby Kal-El in the rocket ship which brought him to Earth from planet Krypton and has been with him since. They have been saving the day (and night) on regular basis until one day, Superman decides to spend his life with Lois Lane (Olivia Wilde), making Krypto jealous and insecure. However, Superdog dismisses that notion once Superman and the Super Friends namely Batman (Keanu Reeves), Wonder Woman (Jameela Jamil), The Flash (John Early), Aquaman (Jemaine Clement), Green Lantern (Dascha Polanco), and Cyborg

(Daveed Diggs) are in trouble and he has to lead a league of Super Pets to save them and the world, at the same time.

The twist in the tale occurs when Krypto loses his powers whereas the Super pets –Ace the Dog (Kevin Hart), PB the pig (Vanessa Bayer), Merton McSnurtle the Turtle (Natasha Lyonne), and Chip the Squirrel (Diego Luna) – acquire theirs, and while Krypto knows how to use powers, the rest don’t. They join hands to bring down the scheming guinea pig Lulu (Kate McKinnon), a former test subject at the laboratory of billionaire Lex Luthor (Marc Maron) who wants to carry on Lex’s dastardly plans. Will Superdog and his team be able to save the Justice League from losing their battle to Lex Luthor and his minions,

of the film is pretty straightforward; there are hardly any twists and turns that will surprise the audience which makes it ideal only for a single viewing. It begins as a light-hearted film and ends like one, without giving the real superheroes and the supervillains a chance to flex their muscles. Also, some of Lulu’s ‘henchmen’ are lame –

what else would you call a kitten who coughs up grenades, and a pair of guinea pigs that are literally fire and water!

And then there is the second Act that’s too slow, considering this is a film designed for kids, instead of adults who might end up liking it more. The action sequences could have been made better, and although the climax is good enough to be remembered for a long time, it came out as rushed. Keanu Reeves’ Batman was wasted because all he had to do was imitate the speaking style of Christian Bale from Christopher Nolan’s film series when giving the character his own voice would have been a better choice. And yes, some of the scenes were hilarious but then there were those that came out as forced, making kids believe that they are stuck in the wrong cinema. The verdict 2.5/5 DC League of Super-Pets is easily something that should have happened a long time back and deserves more sequels and TV shows than many DC animated flicks. There is no problem with the story but more time could have been spent on the script which came out as lacklustre. Until and unless the filmmakers behind the movie come up with a polished sequel or an animated TV series, this one-off film will go down as a ‘could have been a contender'. It felt more like a direct-to-video animated flick than one with a cinematic release because cinema demands more, something this film lacked. The star cast was there, and so were the characters but with a weak script, most of the good work went down the drain.

By Taha Kehar KARACHI

Never judge a film by its trailer. This is a lesson that sceptics who had impulsively taken to social media after watching the promos of Darlings must have learnt once the film came out on Netflix. Prior to its release on the streaming service, the Alia Bhatt-starrer was criticised for glorifying domestic violence against men -- an ill-founded claim that acts as a counter to the fundamental aim of the film. In retrospect, the furore and cynicism surrounding Darlings seem a tad excessive, especially because there wasn't such a vast difference between the audience's expectations and the filmmaker's creative vision.

The premise of the film is unnervingly realistic -- a nod to the searing accounts of domestic abuse that are reported in the news with alarming regularity. It is, therefore, an encouraging sign that Darlings has clocked in over 10 million viewings within three days of its release on Netflix. Domestic violence is often dismissed as a private matter, even though those who are subjected to cruelty at the hands of their spouses are entitled to copious legal safeguards and remedies.

That a non-English, South Asian film on the subject has attracted considerable attention on the streaming service is a commendable accomplishment.

Though it tackles a serious theme, Darlings avoids the temptation to be exceedingly preachy or wax eloquent about the merits of a specific course of action. Instead, the film draws its creative thrust from a com-

pelling storyline and convincing characters. At the same time, the makers have shown a willingness to mine the comic possibilities of the plot without trivialising the overarching issue of domestic abuse.

The film begins with a deceptive happily-ever-after -- a clever narrative technique.

The opening scene has the trappings of a love story that couldn't possibly lose its steam. Indian rom-coms often end with the love-struck pair tying the knot after an arduous struggle against all those external agents that threaten to keep them apart. Darlings starts with Hamza (Vijay Varma) informing Badru (Alia Bhatt) that he has bagged a government job and can now marry her. By reversing the conventional rom-com formula, the Alia Bhat-starrer creates the illusion that the demons that haunted Hamza and Badru's marriage have been put in rest. However, it soon becomes apparent that the real or perceived demons casting a shadow on their lives don't have an external source; they are seeded within our psyche. In Hamza's case, the demon lies within his hands whereas Badru's optimism becomes her undoing.

The illusion of blissful domesticity is shattered within minutes in a subsequent scene where Hamza is shown beating Badru to a pulp over a trivial matter. Violence is a regular intruder in their marriage. Badru, who is an optimist at heart, is determined to not allow it to become the poison that decimates her marriage. Her mother, Shamshu (Shefali Shah), believes that Hamza will not change at any cost. She urges Badru to walk out on her husband or, if the situation escalates to a drastic degree, adopt a more permanent tactic to quell his rage.

Their conflicting outlooks on dealing with the bane of domestic abuse propels the story towards its dramatic denouement. With time, Badru discovers that her optimism is rooted in a reluctance to accept her husband’s flaws.

As expected, this epiphany doesn't emerge suddenly, but slowly percolates deep into her psyche. Badru recognises the constraints of her marriage and initially find ways to exist with them. With the naivety of someone who dotes on her spouse, she expects him to change and resists all wise counsel to put him behind bars. Once the abuse becomes increasingly difficult to beat,

she flirts with the idea of teaching him a lesson -- that too with the intention of helping him realise his mistakes. As the film progresses towards its sizzling conclusion, her intentions morph into a gradual recognition of her own hunger for respect. It is only after a series of bizarre, comic and unnerving events that Badru realises she holds the key to her own destiny. Darlings ought to be commended for painting a realistic portrait of a survivor of domestic abuse. Badru's emotional trajectory and her tendency to vacillate between two extremes makes her all the more believable and potent. Meanwhile, Shamshu acts as a narrative foil -- a striking reminder of the possibilities that Badru could pursue, but consciously avoids.

The film benefits from a crisp, far-from-melodramatic script that prevents the narrative from lagging at any point. Shah, Bhatt and Varma have delivered stellar performances in fleshing out the tragic flaws in their respective characters to great effect. Shah essays her role with incredible finesse that matches the aura of mystery embedded deep within Shamshu's character.

Darlings maintains a darkly comic feel that mirrors the techniques used in cinematic masterpieces such as Andhadhun. It would be an exaggeration to claim that the film measures up to the high benchmark set by Ayushmann Khurrana's black comedy crime thriller. Even so, it is refreshing to watch a film that takes on a serious issue without taking itself too seriously.

Gripping, devastating and compelling, Darlings makes a poignant comment on the discomfiting, toxic dimensions of marital relationships.

Gripping, devastating, compelling Though Darlings tackles a serious issue of domestic violence, the film avoids the temptation to be exceedingly preachy

When cure is better than mere prevention

In men, urine infections may lead to permanent kidney damage due to stone, stricture or urethral narrowing and even life-threatening complications

By Dr Khwaja Ali Shahid KARACHI

Talha, a 24-year old young man, started feeling that the urine was relatively more hot, accompanied by a few other symptoms such as fever, chills and others. Known as Urinary Tract infection (UTI), this problem is more prevalent in females than males. The reason is that urethra (end part of the urinary system) is much shorter in females, which allows the bacteria and other critters to have direct and easy access to other parts of the urinary system than in males. The Urinary Tract infection (UTI) is a combination of infections that may occur in any part of the urinary tract, starting from kidneys, bladder, ureter to the very end, urethra.

Symptoms

• Feeling pain or burning when urinating

• High fever with shivering and chills

• Nausea and vomiting

• Low-grade fever

• Back pain, especially on the sides

Lower abdomen discomfort (tummy part)

Increase in the normal frequency of need to urinate

Increase in the frequency of washroom visits for voiding during the night

Immediate and sudden urge to urinate

Visible change in colour (usually dark or cloudy)

Change in the smell of urine

Presence of pus or blood in urine

Incontinence or wetting may also occur in older patients

Risk factors

In females, UTIs occur more due to hygiene practices, cleanliness and sexual practices of both self and partners. In males, however, there are a few differences in causes and subsequent treatment.

For instance, those patients with enlarged prostate glands or having a family history of men having prostate issues are likely to suffer from UTIs due to blocking or obstructing usual flow of urine. Similarly, patients having kidney stones or those more prone to having one are likely to have UTIs. In both cases, the reason for UTIs is the pooling of urine in the urinary tract, especially in the urinary bladder.

Other people at risk of developing UTIs may include those who have a weakened immune system (immunosuppressed) (e.g. in case of diabetes) or those are using immunosuppressant medicines. The body’s defence mechanism, against the bacteria causing UTIs, is also

compromised when compared to a normal individual.

Those people who have recently visited a hospital for other reasons are also susceptible to UTIs. Patients who are paralyzed, bed-ridden, have neurological problems or psychiatric illnesses, currently have a urinary catheter (tube used to empty the bladder and collect urine in a bag) or previously catheterized for any surgery,

urinary procedure, medical examination or any other reason are all more likely to develop urine infections.

It is necessary to cure, treat and prevent UTIs from occurring repeatedly, especially in men. This is because there are chances of developing permanent kidney damage in case of UTIs due to stone, stricture or urethral narrowing in males and even a life-threatening complication

of sepsis may occur, if not treated.

Prevention

• Hydration – Increase water or fluid intake will help you to urinate frequently and flushes the urinary tract, before the bacteria can actually cause any infection. Not only will the water dilute the urine, but it will also eliminate the unwanted accumulation of urine. Water also

helps in discarding other waste material from the body, while retaining required electrolytes and minerals. An adult should drink at least 8 glasses of water daily.

Drink cranberry juice – Readily available locally in juices, sachet and granules, cranberry juice is suggested to be very helpful to prevent UTIs and increase urine output.

Food intake – If your infection is secondary to any stones then avoid the precursors of stone development. Strictly follow the diet plan being advised by your physician and this will ultimately curtail the chance of UTI development in the long run.

• Hygiene and cleanliness – Maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness of genital region goes a long way in reducing occurrence of a UTI. It is also recommended to urinate as soon as possible after having sexual intercourse and drink water as well.

• Frequent urination – As soon as one feels an urge to urinate, one should do so. This will flush out bacteria, thereby making it difficult for it to quickly reach the cells of the tract and in the long run hinders the chances of UTIs from occurring. Special cases - For bed-ridden, paralyzed and patients with neurological disorders who may be advised to use diapers and / or are catheterized, prompt change of diapers and regular change of catheters is required.

Cure and treatment

Like most other infections, antibiotics are the mainstay of the treatment along with symptomatic treatment like fever or pain management. Medical science, however, is trying to switch from antibiotics to home-remedies and overthe-counter-drugs for treating simple UTIs. Furthermore, doctor is also likely to advise the precautions and prevention protocols with special emphasis on hydration and cleanliness.

Before recommending any antibiotic treatment, the physician is likely to advise a Urine Detail Report (Urine DR) test alone or along with a Urine Culture Sensitivity (Urine C/S) if the symptoms are too severe, in case of repeated infections or the infection is not subsiding with the previously prescribed antibiotics. Any UTI, on an average, may last up to one week. Many a time it may even resolve on its own without any treatment, but one must always consult the doctor as it may lead to unwanted repercussions later on.

The writer is a physician and hosts the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’. He tweets @Ali_Shahid82 and can be reached at kalishahid@hotmail.com

Lose weight and improve overall health

By Danya Ali KARACHI

We all aspire to eat healthy and stay fit, but our health is often neglected due to work, social commitments and family needs. As a result of microwave dinners and downing several cups of tea or coffee in a day, both our calorie count and weight get out of hand.

However, these tips are bound to help you stay in shape without fretting or sweating too much. Let’s get right into them!

1. Make a food journal

Maintaining a food journal will help you keep track of whatever you are eating and enable you to plan future diets. You can see what food groups you are missing out on and what hidden snacking you aren’t keeping track of.

2. Eat slow Science has shown that our mind receives the signal of ‘fullness’ approximately 20 minutes after eating. Eating slowly and more mindfully will help you savour your food and prevent you from eating extra food. Moreover, a wellchewed bite is more easily digestible!

3 . IStay active

Be it while talking on the phone or when listening to music, choose to walk or stand instead of idly sitting down. The more movement you can include in your day, the better!

4. Don’t skip meals

Eat less but eat more often. Having 5-6 healthy yet short meals is better than having two heavy ones. This naturally means you shouldn’t be skipping your meals.

5. Hydration is magic

Drinking ample amounts of water throughout the day has numerous benefits. Be it glowing

skin or ensuring an active digestive system –staying hydrated is always a great idea. It will also give you the feeling of ‘being fuller’ and make you eat less.

6. Cut calories, not flavour! Healthy food does not have to be bland or bereft

of flavours. Simply roasted vegetables that have been seasoned well with some paprika and salt can taste incredible too.

7. Do away with bigger plates Our mind eats what it sees, and perception plays a vital role when it comes to plating. Using a

smaller plate really fools our minds into thinking that we are eating more as we see more food in a lesser space.

8. Even a little movement is better than no movement Don’t skip on activity altogether just because you

did not complete those 10 squats or 15 crunches. Even on days when you have not been able to exercise at all, just go for a walk for 15 minutes. Something is always better than nothing.

9. Make veggies the star of your dish

If you are making pasta – use less of it. Instead, fill up your dish with seasoned broccoli, shrimp, and lemon zest. This way you will easily cut down on carbs and increase your vegetable and protein intake while feeling full.

10. Ask for dressing on the side

Whenever eating out, ask for dressings, dips, and sauces on the side instead of getting your food drenched in them. This way, you can just use a little for flavour and keep the calories in check.

11. Incorporate healthy fat alternatives

Olive oil, nuts, and avocado are all great sources of healthy fats that help dissolve the unhealthy ones. Consider spreading avocado on your morning toast instead of butter during breakfast.

12. Find a diet partner

If you struggle to stick with a workout routine or eating clean, find a diet buddy with whom you can be accountable. It always helps when you have to answer to someone for your actions.

13. Stay away from fad diets.

Finally, no matter what you do, stay away from fad diets! They are bound to fail, and you feel far less motivated to be healthy the next time. Natural and gradual changes to your lifestyle always go a long way.

Take away

Eating healthy and staying fit is not an extremely challenging task. All you have to do is include smaller, more applicable and practical diet tips in your life and stick with them. The changes may be slower, but you will be amazed at the results.

TikTok fashion and beauty tricks taking over the internet

to

By Mubarra Yousuf KARACHI

Even Though the first thing that comes to most of our minds when we think of TikTok is the endless new dance routines that hit our tiny screens every single day, there is a major place for beauty and fashion on the short video posting platform. With the recent shift to beauty and fashion focused content on the platform, we have seen it become a host to many innovative and interesting beauty and fashion hacks and trends, that could either streamline your lifestyle or make you the talk of the town (mostly in a good way). With a major scan of our For You Page, we have condensed the most eye-catching trends, both new and innovative or a blast from the past to save you hours of scrolling through TikTok and give you a TikTok fashion guide to get you started on giving your closets and routines a revamp.

Button down

Layering

Now this is where you let your imagination run wild. With vests and corsets over button down shirts, dresses over shirts and skirts over pants, the possibilities have become endless without needing an elaborate closet to express yourself with your outfits. If there are separate pieces in your closet that you love but would never think of pairing them together, maybe this is your sign to give it a try.

This may look like a simple piece that is probably already taking up space in your closet but thanks to all the fashion icons on TikTok prioritising basics to look fabulous the button down has gone from a simple piece to a statement piece. With them being comfortable, easy to wear and most importantly, versatile you don't need to compromise on your personal style to stay on trend. Throw it over any of your outfits to elevate it and look effortlessly chic.

Crystals are your TikTok best friend

I am sure we have all watched out fair share of skincare TikToks in our time on the platform, be it skincare restock videos, skincare tips or just a very elaborate skincare routine, all of which are very addicting to watch, you must have come across some form of a crystal incorporated into a skincare regime. From jade rollers to rose-quartz gua sha and germanium facial massagers, these tools work to relax your face muscle, reduce puffiness and increase blood circulation to your skin, if you like a lot of us are intrigued and looking to try them out, make sure you use some kind of slip before going in with these tools such as a facial oil or over a sheet mask.

Cargo pants

As the cellphones of the world keep getting larger, we sure need our pockets to keep up and little did we know cargo pants already had that solution for us back in the 90s and 00s. Even Though this may not necessarily be the reason this Y2K fashion trend has been all over the internet recently, we sure can appreciate anything that offers style and comfort as a 2-in-1 package. With the return of the cargo pants, this is a trend you need to jump on to create the perfect cool girl outfit that transitions seamlessly from day to night wear, a super versatile piece that you can style for a super casual street wear look or dress up for a night out with friends.

Clean girl style

Having mostly been born following the footsteps of the likes of Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid and Hailry Bieber, the clean girl style is basically another, more trendier name of a more minimal style. With barely there makeup, glassy skin and perfectly put together hair, the clean girl has her life all put together- or at least that is how it appears to be. Much of the clean girl style also revolves around keeping it simple with oversized, sporty looks. Throw on a high rise, wide legged denim, a simple but oversized shirt and dainty gold jewellery and you have yourself the “off-duty model” look.

Feathers

If there is one thing the fashion world of TikTok has taught us is that you can go all out and wear absolutely anything your heart desires and for many that includes using feathers to overturn their outfits. With popular fashion TikTokers adding a feather trim to any outfit, are shifting the tide of minimalism to maximalism and adding drama to a previously simple outfit.

Sky high power pony

From the runways of Versace and Chanel to the stages of Beyonce and Madonna, the power ponytail has taken the fashion and beauty world by storm. Usually this look is achieved with the use of hair extensions but when celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton broke down the technique of achieving this perfect sky high ponytail without extensions, it went viral on TikTok, with countless people recreating the look. All you need to do for this technique is tie your hair into a half ponytail, with the bottom loose section, divide it into 2 sections and pull it over your ponytail on both sides and secure with another hair tie for a voluminous, layered pony. This is one of those trends that are the perfect transition from working out to going out.

Five refreshing mango recipes to beat the heat this summer!

Mango Kulfi

to a boil and then steep tea bags in it for 5-7 minutes. Let the black tea sit at room temperature for a few minutes. After this, place it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. Blend sliced mangoes to make fresh mango puree and add sugar/honey in the blender to mix into the puree. Add chilled tea to the mixture and give it a whirl. Pour the mixture into a glass and add ice cubes, lemon juice, and mint leaves. Your mango iced tea is ready, and it tastes as refreshing as it sounds!

Mango-Coconut Panna Cotta

You don’t need to worry about replenishing your nutrients and staying hydrated on a hot summer day when you have this splendid dessert on your table. The Mango-Coconut Panna Cotta is as mouthwatering as it sounds, with a silky, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Try out this recipe to add a tropical touch to your menu.

Ingredients:

● Coconut Milk (1 Cup)

● Fresh Cream (1 Cup)

● Mango Pulp (1 Cup)

● Castor Sugar

● Vanilla Essence

● elatin ( 1 ½ tablespoon)

Method: Mix gelatin and one tablespoon of hot water. Take a medium-sized pan and add cream to it. Now add castor sugar and vanilla essence and keep stirring till the mixture comes to a boil. Add half the gelatin to the coconut milk and the other half to the mango pulp and mix thoroughly. Now pour half the cooked cream into the mango pulp and half of it into the coconut milk. Mix well to form smooth pastes. Take a serving bowl or a glass and spread a layer of mango cream in it. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Now spread a layer of coconut cream on the top and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. You can add as many layers as you like, but make sure each layer has been set properly before you add another one. Garnish with diced mangoes on top and serve chilled.

By Kayenat Kalam KARACHI

Mango Mousse

What’s better than a homemade mango mousse to tantalise your taste buds all summer long? It is a perfect recipe for kids and adults, enriched with all the goodness of fresh mangoes. Follow this easy-to-make recipe to add a scrumptious treat to your summer menu.

Ingredients:

● Mangoes (2-3)

● Sugar (3-4 tablespoons)

● Whipped cream (1/2 Cup)

● Diced mangoes (for garnishing)

Method:

Cut the mangoes into small cubes and blend with sugar until the texture becomes thick and smooth. Add some whipped cream into a bowl. Now add the mango paste with the whipped cream and beat until the mixture smoothens. Pour the mixture into serving bowls and put it in the refrigerator for about half an hour. Garnish with diced mangoes and whipped cream on the top. Serve chilled.

Reminisce about your childhood kulfi cravings by creating this delicious treat that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The best part is, you don’t need any special ingredients or fancy machine to make these mango kulfis. Make this dessert in bulk and freeze it so that you can enjoy it whenever you like!

Ingredients:

● Milk (3 Cups)

● Mango Puree (3 Cups)

● Sugar (1 Cup)

● Saffron (1 Pinch)

● Dry Fruits

● Cornflour (2 tablespoons)

Method:

Pour the milk into a deep-bottomed pan, and add a pinch of saffron to it. Let it simmer on a low flame for 15-20 minutes and make sure you do not boil it. Now add sugar and stir till it is completely dissolved. Check the consistency of the milk, and you can add 2 tablespoons of corn-flour to thicken it further. Once the consistency suits your preference, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool at room temperature. Add the freshly made mango puree to the milk and mix it well. Add a handful of chopped dry fruits (preferably unsalted pistachios or almonds). Pour the mixture into molds and freeze for 8-10 hours. Your mango kulfi is ready to be served!

Mango Custard with Vanilla Ice Cream

While you can have this dessert all year round by using mango custard powder, why not add a seasonal touch to make sure you get all the nutrition? You can serve it as it is, or mix it with fruits and jelly and add layers of fruit cake slices. Mango custard is the easiest option for your dessert menu, be it for your family dinner or a small gathering with your loved ones.

Ingredients:

● Mango Puree (1 Cup)

● Milk (3 Cups)

● Custard Powder (3-4 tablespoons)

● Sugar (6-8 tablespoons)

● Vanilla Ice Cream

Method:

Add custard powder into a large bowl. Mix it well, ensuring there is no lump formation. Take a medium sized pan and pour the mixture into it. Keep stirring till the consistency becomes thicker. Now add sugar into this and mix it well. Remove the pan from the heat once the sugar is fully dissolved. Add in the freshly prepared mango puree while simultaneously whisking. Pour into serving bowls and refrigerate for 4-5 hours. You may also add layers of fruits and cakes. Garnish with diced mangoes and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Summer brings sunshine, hopes, and of course, mangoes. Try out these mouthwatering mango recipes to turn your boring summer days into fun!

If there is anything you want to learn, TikTok somehow has the answer

all the questions you could ever ask, fashion and beauty just being some of them

Shades of green

Effortlessly balancing both patriotism and style, here are some of our favourite celebrity outfits from this Independence Day

The fruit of heaven on earth

In place of growing a fig tree, you may easily grow a grafted fig plant in a pot

By Dr Khwaja Ali Shahid KARACHI

The 95th chapter of the Holy Quran, which is in the 30th part of the holy book, begins with a verse in which Allah promises by Fig and by Olive. The chapter is named as Surah

At-Tin (literal meaning Fig) and even this naming of a chapter fact is enough for any Muslim to understand the significance of this highly nutritious, nourishing and healthy fruit.

Referred to as the fruit of heaven, the fig is harvested as a soft, fleshy, multi-coloured and sweet fruit. It is, however, more renowned as a chewy, hard, light brown coloured dried fruit which is sliced and consumed especially in the winter season. The dried fig variant is also a part of many jams and preserves, sweet dishes and local delicacies. In Pakistan, fig is usually grown on trees in relatively colder regions of Swat and Baltistan, including Skardu and Gilgit. Though you may have never come across a fig tree in Karachi, you may find a few of these growing in the Gandhi Garden or the Karachi Zoological and Botanical Garden, even laden with the fruit, the variety here is known as the Mysore Fig.

From the kitchen gardening’s perspective, the focus is to grow healthy, organic food with provision of the limited resources available. The aim, thus, is to grow herbs, fruits and vegetables in as limited space as possible, since the availability of a bigger stretch of empty land for gardening would be an unrealistic expectation, especially in a city like Karachi. Therefore, this article culminates the tricks and ideas to grow a fig plant in a pot instead of growing a tree. Highly rich in fibres and minerals such as potassium and calcium, fig is a good option for the digestive system and bone health and is also considered a good source to regulate and attain healthy weight. Many trainers recommend figs to boost stamina, due to its nutritional content.

Type of plants

Fig grows on the Ficus, which belongs to the family of smaller mulberry trees. Now the availability of grafted potted plants of figs has made the life of Karachiites easier, who are already cramped for space. The grafted, potted plants, which are generally from one foot to maximum three feet in height, are easily available in local plant nurseries and are opted both for its fruits and even as an ornamental plant by many. While these plants can be easily grafted here, the actual seedlings naturally grow in countries hailing from the Mediterranean region. It is so com-

This article culminates the tricks and ideas to grow a fig plant in a pot instead of growing a tree. Highly rich in fibres and minerals such as potassium and calcium, fig is a good option for the digestive system and bone health and is also considered a good source to regulate and attain healthy weight. Many trainers recommend figs to boost stamina, due to its nutritional content

mon that the fig is also considered the poor man’s food in the Mediterranean region. It is a perennial plant or tree and it grows throughout the year.

How to sow and grow

One of the oldest fruits in the world, it is believed that the fig tree has been around for more than 7,000 years. Fig plant can grow from the seeds, but the fruit produced from the new plant is likely to be different from the fruit of the parent tree. Another method to grow a fig plant is through an uncommon process known as Air Layering; for which there is requirement of the availability of the fig tree as well. This is a highly successful process of all the fig plant growing methods. But, Air Layering might be quite a difficult process for the new gardeners. This is exactly the reason that it is highly recommended to instead opt for a fig tree cutting for propagation and development of a new plant. The propagation works well right after the winter season in Karachi during the months of December to February.

Generally, a fig plant may take from 18 months to 3 years for fruiting, however, many believe that if the cutting being grafted is taken from the tree which is already on fruiting, then there are high chances that the propagated plant will start fruiting within the first year of its grafting. It is also a very popular belief that if the space for this plant’s roots are compact and the root growth is restricted, there is higher probability of increased fruiting.

Sunlight and watering requirements

The pot of fig plant should be placed at such a location where it is exposed to maximum, but not harsh sunlight throughout the day, a minimum of five to six hours daily. Utmost care should be taken that the soil of the fig plant never turns dry. It should be well watered and the soil should be moist throughout. In Karachi, during peak summers, if the plant is potted in a 14 to 18 inch diameter container, then you may even be required to water the plant twice daily. Avoid watering directly on the base of the plant.

Fertilisers for plant nourishment

Fig plant requires heavy feed which means a generous supply of all components of NPK fertiliser in different stages of plant growth. As always, it is highly recommended to use the organic NPK fertiliser, which is to be given on a monthly basis.

Pest attacks

Figs are a favourite among the birds and rodents like squirrels. Covering the plant with a net or hanging an inverted CD near the plant will help to deflect the incoming birds due to the unwanted sunlight reflection on their eyes.

Fruiting and harvest

Different colours and taste classify figs into different varieties. The availability of these varieties in different regions, the local taste and gardener’s preferences among all play a major role in selecting a certain type of fig. Some of the famous varieties include, but are not limited to, the Adriatic Figs, White Figs, Black Mission Figs, Sweet Figs, Celeste Figs, the Chief Figs and Brown Turkey Figs. The figs may also vary in colour from white, green, yellow, golden, red, to purple and black. This nutritious fruit is generally harvested when they begin to hang down and are soft to touch. Usually in Karachi, figs are harvested from March to May.

It is always important to remember that these gardening endeavours can be done with limited resources and less expenditure; even the relevant requirements like the organic fertilisers, pesticides and cheap growing alternatives can all be prepared easily at home.

The writer is a physician and hosts the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’. He tweets @Ali_Shahid82 and can be reached at kalishahid@hotmail.com

5 best luxury resort destinations around the world

By Mubarra Yousuf

One

The St. Regis Bali Resort, Indonesia

If there ever was a picture perfect beach resort, it would definitely be this one. With stretches of white sand bordered by beautiful flora on one side and the sparkling blue Indian Ocean on the other, visitors will find it difficult to leave this resort. With the resort being a mere 2 minute walk from the beach front, you enjoy exquisite panoramic views from the lobby to the water, as the resorts design reflects the Balinese concept of Nyegara Gunung, a sacred journey from the mountains to the sea. The resort features a full spa and outdoor lagoon pool while also providing a Children’s Learning Centre on-site for your children as you relax, making this the perfect vacation spot for families.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand

If your idea of a perfect vacation is being surrounded by the wilderness, this camping – yet simultaneously luxurious gat-away – is the one for you. Located on the border of Burma and Laos, the camp caters to adventure seekers and nature lovers. With safari style tents nestled right within the heavy greenery, you wake up and sleep within the thick green jungle. With an elephant conservatory on site, you can take a walk with rescued elephants, and keep an eye out for other wildlife as you cruise down the Ruak River. At the four seasons, your meals could not be any fresher because here you can pick the food yourself. As you stroll through the camp’s natural surroundings with an expert guide, you gather ingredients and learn about traditional herbal remedies, at the end of which a chef will help you turn your bounty into a delicious meal. No trip can end without a little relaxing, so you can indulge in the mountain botanical treatments at the open-sided jungle spa, surrounded by bamboo groves.

Sirikoi Lodge, Kenya

Located in the Lewa Wildlife conservancy, this renowned world heritage site sits amidst 68,000 acres of pure wilderness in Northern Kenya and is a family-owned resort, built by a conservationist couple. It is an intimate yet luxurious safari lodge that can accommodate 18 guests at a time within its one main lodge, cottage and 4 opulent tents with their own connected, private decks, situated perfectly next to the spring fed Sirikoi stream.

Within the wildlife conservatory, you get to take full advantage of the nature and wildlife you are surrounded by, with meals in the great outdoors, possibly over-looking a migrating herd of elephants, or view the rare Black Rhino and White Rhino, with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy being one of their most important habitats. If you want an even more thrilling experience, an exclusive helicopter ride over the Rift Valley will allow you to see Mount Kenya, Lake Nakuru and Naivasha while marvelling at the hundreds of species of birds the area has to offer.

Amangiri, Utah

At the intersections of the 4 states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, also known as the Four Corners, in a tranquil oasis in the southwest region of America, is Amangiri – a spa resort that boasts one of the most dramatic landscapes in the United States, with its deep canyons and towering plateaus. The resort is tucked into a protected valley, with sweeping views towards the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, where you come to feel remote and at peace, while being surrounded by some of the most striking architecture that almost disappears into its rocky landscape. Built around a swimming pool, the resort has everything you would need for a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can set out on a desert hike with a personal guide, or on horseback to explore the fiery red canyons, or take advantage of their many different spa treatments, or simply unwind under a clear sky dotted with countless stars.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, UAE

A 90-minute drive out of the main Abu Dhabi city, in the legendary Liwa Desert, lies the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, where you can immerse yourself in all things harkening back to traditional Arabic culture. It is the perfect place to lose yourself in the luxury and adventure on offer. Visitors can ride the flame-coloured dunes of Rub’ al Khali on camelback, take a dip in the pool attached to their private villa, take one of the most scenic early morning walks, or dine under the star-filled desert sky at night. The traditional Moroccan Hammam experience, with a wide range of massages, will definitely be one that will leave you revitalised and re-energised before you decide to return to the ‘real world’ again.

ABBA – Living a second life

ABBA, a Swedish pop group of the 1970s, is able to perform live in London after its forty-year absence, thanks to the metaverse technology

By Muhammad Adil

The days of singing and grooving along to “dancing queen” in the 70s are not over yet. ABBA, a Swedish group formed in 1972, had immense global success.

Comprising group members Agneta Fältskog, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson at Björn Ulvaeus, the group dissolved in 1982 and decided to never tour again. However, Industrial Light & Magic, a technology created by the Star Wars VFX company, allowed the ABBA music group to try something that has never been done before.

The ABBA VOYAGE show, which premiered on May 2022 in London, is a spectacle that one can only see to believe.

After a nearly forty-year absence, everyone surely had “the time of (their) life” as Agneta, Anni-Frid, Benny, and Björn took the virtual stage in their 1970s prime. It is every futurist’s dream event for what this means for the entertainment industry, where music and the artistes can forever

be immortalised.

How was this achieved?

Having evolved into a persistent digital reality, the metaverse has enabled us to share our experiences and work collaboratively and interact with others in the virtual sphere. As interactive and experiential as the real world, the metaverse stimulates every sense we have and allows for a kind of accessibility that only the digital world can provide as well as ends all the limitations that the real world may hold. Previously, metaverse experiences were restricted to the need of investing and wearing virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR) headsets, and interacting with other avatars online, while sitting at home. However, companies have long been seeing this aspect as limiting is not helping them avail of mass-market opportunities.

The ABBA voyage is a live show, where concertgoers, as they do for other music concerts, purchase tickets, and attend the show in person. The accompanying band is also playing live, but the ABBA members’ performances have been pre-recorded and rendered as lifesize humanoids on stage.

The band has been planning this concert since 2016. They performed in motion

capture suits, which scanned each of their movements and facial expressions for a period five weeks. Hundreds of visual effects artists and animators then created avatars of the band in their youth, named “Abba-tars”. With the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI), they were able to “de-age” the band. This sort of technological scale is very different from holograms which are not nearly as life-like.

The effects and pixel quality as well the depth make it hard to distinguish between reality and the digital sphere. The concert, therefore, is not simply a visual spectacle, as some mistakenly believe, but is rather an experience that tugs at your emotions and lets you relive the actual concert experience.

The ABBA Voyage experience

As the concert starts, the four singers in their humanoid form emerge from beneath the stage in an electrifying performance, with dance routines identical to what they did in the 70s. The virtual avatars never leave center stage, but effects like laser beams and enhanced music through precision drills allow for magical performances. The performers also change outfits making it more surreal.

Various classics like ‘Mamma Mia’ and ‘Thank You For the Music’ had fans

reminiscing the good-old days. Fans were also glad that the two songs released last year, ‘Don’t Shut Me Down’, and ‘I Still Have Faith in You’, were in the setlist as they really show the ABBA’s journey. Some popular songs like ‘Money Money Money’ did not make the cut, but that is likely to encourage repeat visits from their fans who were amazed by this unique show, which is expected to run until the end of the year.

What does the future for music in the metaverse look like?

Various pop artistes have been holding fully virtual concerts such as Ariana Grande and The Weeknd, which are in-

creasingly becoming popular. Moreover, in 2012 at Coachella, fans were shocked to see Tupac performing as he had been killed at a drive-by shooting 16 years before. But here he was alive as ever on the stage in a CGI holographic form. Michael Jackson was also brought back to life in 2014 for a performance. Holograms have limitations, however, as they block light and certain effects they do not appear entirely realistic.

As ABBA showed, technology is a lot more complex now where AI has made everything so much more lifelike. Such avatars are able to simulate human-like movements in real-time, based on real muscle, fat, and skin contact. What made Voyage

more real was that it was no posthumous show and the artistes themselves were involved. And their legacy is now enhanced and secured for fans to enjoy even when the members pass.

Not every group has the power that ABBA holds as a time-less band, so it is speculated that this kind of concert will not be too mainstream. Moreover, such a concert is also extremely expensive as Voyage needs to make hundreds of millions in dollars to just break-even. While it seems that digital avatars will definitely grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how much animators and visual artists can push on the concept to further expand the metaverse.

If you already find yourself dreaming about your next vacation spot, a resort away from city life might just be what you need

ISLAMABAD

By Kaukab Jahan

KARACHI

Eva B is the embodiment of the phrase, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

Born into a Baloch family residing in Lyari, Karachi, Eva started making her rap music when she was just 15 years-old. Despite opposition from her family and the expected societal pressure, Eva was determined to pursue her dream of becoming a rapper. Her efforts bore fruit this year when she was featured in Coke Studio Season 14. The track Kana Yaari, which Eva performed alongside Kaifi Khalil and Abdul Wahab Bugti, became Coke Studio’s third most viewed song of the year, and helped launch Eva into the limelight.

The rapper also garnered international attention when her song Rozi featured in the path-breaking Disney+ series Ms Marvel.

While the 23 year-old is basking in her new-found fame and success, she knows that this is just the start of her journey.

In an exclusive interview with BOLD, Eva talks candidly about the hurdles and challenges she has had to overcome to get to where she is now.

Sania Saeed 2.0

Many hip-hop artistes across the world adopt stage names and monikers which have very little to do with their actual names. Eva is no different. Her birth name, quite surprisingly, is Sania Saeed, and there’s a fascinating story behind why she was given this name. Eva’s father, Saeed, was a great admirer of renowned Pakistani actress, Sania Saeed. He had decided before Eva was born that if his wife gave birth to a girl he would name her Sania. Hence, it looks like Pakistan now has two famous Sania Saeeds.

When asked about what inspired her to adopt the stage name Eva B, the rapper reveals that she took Eva from Eve (Bibi Hawwa), while the B represents her Baloch identity. The eve of Eva B

When asked about how her family reacted when they came to know about her rap music, Eva reveals:

“In the beginning, my brother was completely against my music. Relatives also criticised my choice. Some were of the view that it was not a respectable profession for a woman, while others considered it to be a useless endeavour. I then told my mother how passionate I was about becoming a rapper, and she allowed and encouraged me to pursue music despite my brother’s reluctance. I did leave music behind for two to three years, but I couldn’t keep the musician within me suppressed forever.”

Ultimately, Eva had to seek her brother’s permission if she wanted to continue down her chosen path. Her friends tried to tell him just how talented his sister was, hoping that their influence would soften his stance on the matter. Finally he relented and allowed her to continue with her rap music, but on one condition - Eva would have to wear a face veil whenever she performed so that she wasn’t recognised. Eva agreed, and she now feels grateful that people recognise her because of her voice rather than her appearance.

Eminem, the inspiration!

Alongside Lyari’s underground rap and hip-hop scene, Eva’s primary influence was Eminem. She came across his trend-setting rap music in the folders of a laptop she had bought from her friend. This ignited Eva’s curiosity, and she began searching online for female rappers, leading her to discover the music of artistes like Queen Latifah. It was at this point that Eva decided to

become a professional rapper because, prior to this, she was unsure whether a woman could break into the main stream rap scene.

Rise to repute

Eva first gained notice in 2019, when her song Gully Girls, which depicts the prevalence of hip-hop in Lyari, released on the music streaming portal Patari.

Eva believes that the song’s ready avail ability on Patari, and the fact that her music highlights the issues faced by women in Pakistan, led to the populari ty of the song.

Call from the Coke Studio

Being approached by Coke Studio came as a great surprise to Eva. For most upand-coming musicians in Pakistan, Coke Studio represents a platform which can help give them a vast au dience nationally and international ly. So, when the producer of Coke Studio Season 14, Xulfi (Zulfiqar Jabbar Khan), rang up Eva and asked her if she wanted to work with him, it was an opportunity the young rapper didn’t have to think twice about.

“I asked about the project and was told that they want ed me to perform a song with Kaifi Khalil,” Eva narrates.

“What could my reply have been? Who would miss such an opportunity?”

The process turned out to be a collaborative one. Since Eva writes her own lyrics, she penned the rap section of Kana Yaari, while the composition of the song was done by Kaifi Khalil.

A rebellious rapper

Eva believes that there is a natural rebelliousness in her style - be it in her music or her lyr ics. She wants to push the boundaries with her music and give

voice to those people and grievances which are often ignored.

As far as the content of her music is concerned, like most rappers from Lyari, her lyrics are often centred on the issues plaguing her locality. Naturally, her personal experiences greatly dictate the subjects she chooses to tackle through her music.

Eva is grateful that the people of Lyari now support her and take pride in her accomplishments. The dynamics of the locality are now changing, and many youngsters are eager to pursue hip-hop music after taking inspiration from figures like Eva

What rap means for Eva

Eva believes that what societal class one belongs to should not dictate which genre of music one has access to. While she agrees that rap music is often used across the globe to put a spotlight on the issues faced by certain suppressed sections of the society, Eva is of the opinion that rap music should include a variety of subjects and themes.

“Tell me one thing,” she says, “If a rapper gets rich would they leave rap music because it is considered to be the ‘music of the poor’?”

According to Eva, music provides refuge and catharsis for today’s youngsters, irrespective of genre.

Voice with a veiled visage When asked about whether her face veil had ever become a hindrance in her profession, the rapper replies that she loves to

Eva believes that there is a natural rebelliousness in her style - be it in her music or her lyrics. She wants to push the boundaries with her music and give voice to those people and grievances which are often ignored

wear the veil on screen, stating: “This has become my identity.”

Moreover, when she started her career as a rap artiste, her only inspiration was the underground rap scene of Lyari, where many girls wore a hijab or a niqab. Since then, her look has become synonymous with her name, and she intends to continue with it.

Changing the image of lyari

Eva is grateful that the people of Lyari now support her and take pride in her accomplishments. The dynamics of the locality are now changing, and many youngsters are eager to pursue hip-hop music after taking inspiration from figures like Eva.

Previously, children in Lyari would say that they wanted to become gangsters when they grew up. Now they say they want to become a rapper, a footballer or a boxer.

Life away from music

Currently, Eva is completing her B.A. degree, and is focusing primarily on subjects relating to education, sociology and international relations. Despite global recognition for her musical endeavours, Eva wants

to complete her studies and get a job as a teacher. She believes that a teacher must be respected by her students but at the same time, she must have control over her them as well, which she believes she is capable of doing.

“Music will always remain my utmost passion which I can never have enough. If I am unable to get any job after graduation then I will focus solely on my music,” says Eva, the rapper.

What next?

Eva was already involved in some projects before Coke Studio came calling, and many offers came her way after the success of Kana Yaari. Moreover, her newfound fame has led to a massive increase in her social media following, and this should help her get some major endorsements. She is also busy finishing her EP (Extended Play), which will be released soon.

The EP consists of four to five songs, mostly in the form of rap but with a touch of more conventional singing too. The majority of these songs will be in Urdu but will have a Punjabi and Balochi chorus. All these songs have been written and composed by Eva herself.

Her word to the wise

Eva’s journey is truly an inspiring one, especially for young girls who find it difficult to follow their passions because of various social pressures. For those struggling with this dilemma, Eva has some advice:

“The first step is to convince your family, especially your parents. Talk to them about your interests and why you want to pursue them. I believe that ultimately your parents will understand.

My case is an example of this. Today, not only my family and my relatives but millions of people respect and recognise me as Eva B.”

Pakistanis'Vardah Aziz

By Hasnain Nawab KARACHI

The name Vardah Aziz might have already been known to some Pakistanis given her several years of work as a stylist and actress in the entertainment and advertising industries. However, she has now garnered international repute after her appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) show Ms Marvel as one of Kamala Khan’s cousins. In an exclusive interview with BOLD, Vardah Aziz, a stylist-cum-actress, gives us a peek behind the curtain of one of the biggest movie franchises in the world and reveals how she got the chance to enter the superhero universe. BOLD: How did you get the opportunity to act in Ms Marvel?

I landed a role in Ms Marvel when nothing of the sort was in the books. In the first instance, I thought it was a kind of a scam. Also the email ended up in the junk folder and remained there for almost a week. But, as people say, what’s meant for you will always find its way to you ¬- so that happened in my case too. I later found out that I was recommended by Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy’s producer at SOC Films, and the casting company in LA reached out to me. I luckily saw the email in

Sharmeen, a perfectionist from head to toe, has a vision and knows what she wants. I’ve literally attended her seminars back in my college days after she won her Oscars and I was so proud to be working alongside her. I was even happy to help as a crew member during the shooting of the Partition scene, and Sharmeen made sure I watched all the documentary clips and read I went on set.

What profession do you find more fulfilling - acting or wardrobe styling?

I enjoy my fair share of both, to be honest. I’m a film grad after all and I find no shame in working as part of the crew while I work in front of the camera some days. I’m picky about things I want to do as an actor so, while I wait for a good role or script, I do styling so the creativity in me doesn’t die down and I have something to keep myself busy. e – both as a stylist and as an actor.

What kind of a response have you received following your appearance in the Marvel

It has been very overwhelming! It’s a big deal to be one of the 6 Pakistani actors who were a part of the biggest franchise in the world for this project. I know I’ve made my family, friends and colleagues here in Pakistan very proud. I giggle because I don’t know what to say but it’s really sweet when they say they know a Hollywood actress!

When acting in such international projects do you feel a sense of responsibility to ensure that Pakistan and its people are Of course. Before I went on set, I was really curious to know how they would show Karachi in Thailand, from where they would be able to cast actors with a Pakistani background, and how would they project Pakistanis - with a topi on their heads, tasbeeh in their hands and women in burqas? These are all sorts of things that we generally see in films, when it comes to the representation of Muslims in particular. However, the team’s research was so comprehensive. If you’ve watched Ms Marvel you would know they’ve shown Karachi like it is and there hasn’t been a better Pakistani representation in any American or Indian film before. The making of Ms Marvel on-the-behind-the-scenes show “Assembled” pretty much explains a lot of this and the hard work everyone put in. What are your forthcoming projects, both on the acting and I’m always doing something as a stylist. I just wrapped on a project for Ponds followed by Garnier two days ago. For acting, I’m looking at a few things and I don’t want to give it away just yet until it happens!

‘There hasn’t been a better representation of

Vardah Aziz, the multi-talented Ms Marvel actress, talks about the cultural significance of Ms Marvel and reveals what it was like to work with Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy